InfoWorld reports that a couple of Web conferencing vendors announced Internet-based collaboration services with enhanced audio and video capabilities. Among them was Genesys, which introduced Meeting Center 2.0. Meeting Center adds desktop multi-point video, integration with MSN Messenger, and expanded support for Microsoft Outlook.

ZDNet has this commentary about building a system to defend against virus attacks. The author says that email threats are divided into five broad categories: viruses, spam, abuse, message privacy and hacking. In order to secure your email system you need to address all of these categories.

Microsoft and Verizon Wireless announced a strategic partnership that will deliver Microsoft Network content and communications services to Verizon Wireless customers. The service, known as VZW with MSN, launches Friday. It will be available to Verizon Wireless customers who have a digital wireless device with a Web browser. According to this article in eWeek, the agreement calls for Microsoft and Verizon to eventually develop wireless applications for enterprises, built on Microsoft’s .Net Enterprise Server technology and accessible via Microsoft’s Outlook mail and collaboration client.

Handspring introduced Treo 270, a device that integrates a mobile phone, wireless applications like email and Internet browsing, and a Palm OS organizer. Treo 270 also has a color screen and a built-in, backlit QWERTY keyboard. Treo 270 is also a wireless messaging device capable of sending and receiving SMS text messages and email. Earlier this month, Handspring introduced Treo Mail, a new wireless email service designed for Treo communicators that gives you access to corporate email or POP3 Internet accounts. Treo 270 is available for $499 with GSM service activation or $699 without a service plan.

ZDNet is reporting that the Klez.h virus has become the biggest virus. According to antivirus outsourcing firm MessageLabs, Klez.h overtook SirCam on Sunday and continues to spread, with the company’s servers blocking up to 20,000 copies every working day. To date, MessageLabs has stopped over 800,000 copies of Klez.h.

Sperry Software announced Schedule Recurring Email for Outlook 2000/2002. This allows you to schedule an automatic email message. It also allows you to select file attachments or entire folders as attachments. This differs from using templates and a scheduler because Schedule Recurring Email will attach the file at the time that the email is going out.

GFI’s Email Security Testing Zone has launched three new email tests. The new tests enable you to find out free of charge if your network is protected against emails using the Iframe Remote and Object Codebase exploits, and to check whether their anti-virus software is working properly. You can sign up for these tests by submitting your name and email address at GFI’s Email Security Testing Zone. You will then receive harmless tests by email, through which you can check if your email system is vulnerable to a number of email threats.

ZDNet News has this commentary on the critical patch released by Microsoft last week. The patch, called MS02-023, included five different fixes for six known vulnerabilities in recent three recent releases of Internet Explorer.

Docent Inc. announced the introduction of Docent Notify to extend course scheduling capabilities to personal information managers (PIMs). Docent has integrated Infotriever’s calendar and address book integration technologies into the Docent Learning Management System to power Docent Notify, enabling synchronization between course schedules and the most widely used PIMs, including: Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Palm OS and Act 2000.

VNUNet reports that Cambridge women’s college Newnham has banned the use of Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express because it is tired of cleaning up virus attacks.